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The Chinese government statistics bureau said Sunday its monthly purchasing managers' index (PMI) rose to 50.5 on a 100-point scale on which numbers above 50 show activity rising -- up 1.3 points from February.

In addition, China's Caixin/Markit Manufacturing PMI unexpectedly rose to 50.8 versus forecasts it would hold steady at 49.9. Like the official government report it’s also the first reading above 50 since November, in addition to being the strongest growth since March.

Both reports eased worries about an economic slowdown in China, particularly after some recent disappointing data on industrial output.

U.S.-Chinese trade talks were due to resume in Washington after a round in Beijing last week that U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin described as "constructive." Prospects of a resolution to the trade conflict between the world's two largest economies buoyed investor sentiment.

Chinese and American officials are aiming to put to rest a dispute over technology and other issues. Chinese Vice Premier Liu He is expected to travel to Washington next week.